Lockheed P 38J Lightning Marge Richard Dick

Die-cast metal plane with plastic stand

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning® was an American fighter aircraft used by the US Air Force during the World War II. Developed to a United States Army Air Corps requirement, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms and a single, central nacelle containing the pilot and armament. The aircraft was used in a number of different roles, including interception, dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing, close air support, photo reconnaissance missions, and extensively as a long-range escort fighter when equipped with external drop tanks.

Piloted by Richard Ira “Dick” Bong, he was the United States highest scoring air ace during World War II. Credited for having shot down 40 Japanese aircraft, he was the recipient of the Medal of Honor for all his aerial victories in the P-38J Lightning.